Reflections, Observations, and Analyses Pertaining to the Canadian Political Scene

Friday, July 6, 2012

Looking for Democracy

I am sure that like me, many despair over the state of democracy in Canada. Not only is it under continuous assault by a federal government that has repeatedly and consistently shown its contempt for the concept, but it also suffers from widespread citizen disengagement.

Probably the two are inextricably connected.

In an interesting column today entitled Canadians need a forum to raise their voices against undemocratic leaders, The Star's public editor Carol Goar writes about a public trust called The Carold Institute, whose mission is to promote active citizenship, democratic participation and social change.

A recent panel discussion hosted by the institute stressed three essential observations and lessons that put our present perilous state into perspective:

- those with power — politicians, police and bureaucrats — don’t think they should have to share it. “They don’t like citizens and they don’t think they have any role.”

While I realize it was an informal poll, your results are profoundly disturbing, and ample illustration of how the Harper regime conducts its war on democracy with virtual impunity.

Although it may seem like a futile fight, I do believe that each of us who believes in responsible government that represents not the few but the many have to continue to spread the word and educate as many as possible.

It always amazes me, though, that so many people don't make the link between politics and the quality of their own lives, as if the former were simply a separate and arcane activity.